(Wild geranium)
A medicinal geranium from southern Africa with potent antibacterial properties. The root is used for the treatment of acute and chronic infections of the throat, nose and ear cavities, for sinusitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, and tuberculosis. Research in Europe is verifying what traditional medicine men of Lesotho and South Africa have long known about this herb, and what Englishman, Charles Henry Stevens claimed cured his tuberculosis back in 1897. Stevens built a business selling the root powder in Europe without revealing the origin of the medicine, and finally in 1972 German research identified the plant. Now umckaloabo products are sold widely in Germany. Striking plant with trailing stems, grey foliage, deep burgundy-black flowers. Has been called one of the best silver foliage perennials by California nurseryman Ernie Wasson.